Tura, July 25: A major tragedy was averted late Friday night when a six-wheeled truck plunged into a small gorge near Chitoktak on National Highway 217B, just outside Tura. Miraculously, the car was prevented from falling further by a set of large Public Health Engineering (PHE) water supply pipes running along the slope.
The truck, bearing registration number ML 10C 6680, had reportedly unloaded goods at Garobada, around 30 kilometres away, and was headed towards Guwahati. Sources say the accident occurred shortly after the vehicle exited Tura town around 9:30 PM, just after the daily restriction on heavy vehicle movement inside town limits is lifted at 9:00 PM.
Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the mishap. It remains unclear whether the driver was fatigued or under the influence of alcohol.
Local residents and commuters have raised an alarm over the increasing number of speeding heavy vehicles along the Rongkon–Chitoktak–Chandmari stretch of NH 217B, particularly after 9:00 PM. They allege that once restrictions are lifted, trucks often race through the winding, narrow highway, posing a serious risk to pedestrians, motorists, and nearby homes.
Citizens have urged authorities to introduce stricter nighttime speed regulations, install warning signage in high-risk zones, and enhance patrolling along the route to prevent future accidents.
 water supply pipes running along the slope.){kind=link}